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Although the numbers increased, the market trends are similar between studies.

By 2021, IDC initially
expected connected watches to lead the market, accounting for more than two thirds (64%) of wearables shipped globally, followed by basic wristbands (24%) and clothing (9%).

The new forecast shifts connected watches to 67% and wristbands to 22%. Clothing and other segment projections remain the same.

Along with the growing
number of devices shipped, the wearables themselves will improve moving forward, according to Ramon Llamas, manager of wearables research at IDC.

“Since the
market’s inception, it’s been a matter of getting product out there to generate awareness and interest,” Llamas said in a statement. “Now it’s about getting the
experience right – from the way the hardware looks and feels to how software collects, analyzes, and presents insightful data.”

Within the connected watches
segment, IDC expects the number of smartwatch shipments to increase in 2019, driven by increased availability of embedded cellular connectivity in smartwatches.

“Expect digital assistants, cellular connectivity and connections to larger systems, both at home and at work,” Llamas said. “At the same time, expect to see a
proliferation in the diversity of devices brought to market, and a decline in prices that will make these more affordable to a larger crowd.”

Millions of other wearable devices are also expected to be shipped this year. More than 3 million connected clothes and more than 1 million hearables are expected to hit the market
by the end of the year, according to IDC.